Ambleside

Distance: 9 miles (14½ km)   Ascent: 500 ft (150 m)   Time: 4 - 5 hours

Route Description:

Note: This is a linear walk to Ambleside making use of the 516 bus service to return. If you prefer to catch the bus first the walk can easily be done the opposite way round.

Turn left out of the gate and walk down the road for about half a mile. Turn right onto wide track signed to Ambleside and then after a short distance left on path signed to Chapel Stile. Pass through several gates then follow path across the valley. Turn left after the bridge onto the path besides the beck.
After passing the campsite cross the bridge, and just before the track joins the road bear right on to the path signed to the village centre. Stay on this until it emerges onto the road near the Wainwright Inn. Turn right and walk a short distance past the Inn, then turn right onto a path signed to Elterwater. Cross the bridge then follow the path to the left which joins the quarry road and then drops down to Elterwater village.
From Elterwater take the path that starts in the NT car park and follow it besides the beck and then through the trees to arrive at Elterwater lake and it's superb viewpoint backed by the Langdale Pikes. Continue on the path besides what is now the river Brathy to Skelwith Force which is just past a footbridge. Skelwith Bridge is a short distance further on with it's pub, cafe and shop.
At the Skelwith Bridge road junction take the steep road on the left next to the bus shelter. Turn right at junction then left after a short distance on signed path. Bear left through a gate, which leads to a track around the tarn. Follow right round until it meets the road and turn right. Continue uphill passing High Close Arboretum on the left.
At the top of the road there is a gate on the right signed to Loughrigg Terrace. Descend through the trees for a few minutes and go through metal gate to join the terrace where an amazing view opens up over Grasmere lake and the fells beyond. Lower down at a junction of paths, the lower one continues down to Rydal Water, or take the higher one to visit Rydal caves.
After the caves descend towards the lake, then follow the walled track signed to Ambleside which leads to Pelter bridge. Turn right signed to Ambleside (1.5 miles) on the 'Under Loughrigg' road. This is a quiet lane with the river running alongside. When Ambleside comes into view, turn left over bridge and bear right into Rothay park, which leads into the town. For the bus stop walk through the church grounds and past White Platts recreation ground. A road sign points to the buses on Kelsick road next to the car park and library.

Route Photos:

Loughrigg tarn

Grasmere from Loughrigg terrace.

Rydal Water

Rydal cave

Ambleside from the Under Loughrigg road.